Parcel delivery company Evri has filed a £1.2 million lawsuit against the BBC over a Panorama documentary that it claims caused serious financial loss by making defamatory allegations about its business practices.
Legal action details
Evri lodged particulars of claim at the High Court, stating that the programme, titled Evri: Where’s my parcel?, led to the loss of prospective clients. The company, owned by private equity firm Apollo Capital Management, is one of the largest players in the UK’s competitive small parcel delivery market, which has boomed with the rise of online shopping.
In court documents, Evri’s barristers, led by Hugh Tomlinson KC, argue that a segment of the documentary wrongly suggested the company “deployed exploitative business practices” and misled parliament by falsely claiming it did not underpay its couriers. The claim seeks special damages of approximately £1.2 million for lost contracts, plus general damages and an injunction to prevent the BBC from repeating the allegations.
Documentary content and BBC response
The Panorama episode, still available on BBC iPlayer with a note dated 1 July stating it is subject to a libel claim, featured undercover reporters investigating working conditions at an Evri delivery unit. The BBC’s description said it spoke to unhappy customers and couriers who said they struggle to make a living. Evri disputes these claims, stating it provides a fast, reliable, and cost-effective service and that its couriers earn above the national minimum wage.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on legal proceedings. An Evri spokesperson confirmed the defamation claim but declined further comment due to the ongoing case.
Background on Evri
Evri was rebranded from Hermes in 2022, having originated as part of the German mail order group Otto. In 2024, Apollo Capital Management acquired it from Advent International for £2.7 billion. The company also merged last year with the UK e-commerce arm of DHL.
